Children will get a better start to the new school year when they receive a backpack filled with school supplies collected during the 12th annual “Stuff the Bus” campaign by the Schuylkill United Way.

From July 1 to July 31, people donated items at various locations in Schuylkill County and donations are still being accepted at Wal-Mart in Saint Clair until Friday, Michelle Halabura, director of community relations for the Schuylkill United Way, said.

About 1,250 backpacks were collected to give to children.

“Last year, we did about 1,200,” she said.

On Monday, 50 volunteers from the community and employees of the Schuylkill United Way filled the backpacks to give to children at the Salvation Army building at 400 Sanderson St., Pottsville. The volunteers were from 14 of the 15 member service agencies of the Schuylkill United Way; Kohl’s in Wyomissing; TE Connectivity, a Lebanon County business with headquarters in Harrisburg; and Wegmans from Highridge Business Park.

Jenna Gagliano, 19, of Bernville, came to help out.

Of the effort, she said, “I think it gives them a leg up to do better because then they can have the materials they need to succeed and do well.”

“It can be as simple as pencils,” she said about having the much-needed school supplies.

The backpacks were stuffed for about an hour and then loaded into vehicles.

One by one, those helping walked around tables and put erasers, pencils, crayons, folders, rulers, loose leaf paper and a notebook into the backpacks. The backpacks will be distributed by the member agencies of the Schuylkill United Way. Most of them are already spoken for and there is a waiting list.

Halabura said the organization will do its best to give backpacks to those in need.

Kelly Malone, executive director of the United Way, said when the United Way board does its annual planning, the question is asked: “Is Stuff the Bus really necessary?”

“And we get a resounding yes,” she said.

When the drive started, 347 backpacks were collected during the first year in 2002.

Jane Mione, Minersville, who works at TE Connectivity, was there with others from her job.

She said the families that a struggling probably appreciate the generosity of strangers.

Jesse During, kettle coordinator for the Tamaqua Salvation Army, said he has had people ask for help for the school year. Reasons why they need assistance vary. Some have had their hours reduced at work or have been laid off.

“It’s a poor economy,” he said.

Major Tammy Hench of the Salvation Army in Pottsville said the Salvation Army is there to help those in need.

Of the backpacks, she said, “I think it encourages them and makes them better prepared to start a new year.”

Kaia Weller, 9, of Tamaqua, wanted to help but she got there a little too late. Giving the supplies to students who need them is a good idea so they can do their school work, she said.

Hench said parents need to show proof that the child lives in the home.

Those still interested in getting a backpack should contact the various member agencies if they have had prior assistance from them. A list is also available on the Schuylkill United Way’s website, www.schuylkillunitedway.org, or by calling 570-622-6421 or the Salvation Army at 570-622-5252.

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